Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara Tour and Volunteering- 2 Weeks

Overview

Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets. Everest Foundation Nepal tour gives you an opportunity to explore three different regions of the country, varying from the cultural hub teemed with fascinating ancient building like Kathmandu, the breathtaking scenery of Annapurna Range like Pokhara, and the vast, fertile forest like Chitwan National Park in Terai region. This remarkable trip will make you realize that Nepal has much to offer.

Begin your tour in Nepal with our fabulous places Kathmandu, Chitwan & Pokhara Tour which combines natural, cultural, and wildlife experiences. Stroll in a medieval streets of Kathmandu full of architectural wonders, make a boat ride in a Himalayan lake or a canoe trip in the dense sub-tropical jungle, or learn to follow the wild-lives in their natural habitat – we’ve combined everything that you are wishing to squeeze out in your short Nepal Tour. Even if your wildest dream is to watch marsh crocodiles sunbathing or you feel like bathing with an elephant in a jungle river – we make it happen in reality. We start the tour from Kathmandu Valley, with its UNESCO World Heritage Site cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Then we drive to Chitwan Jungle to discover why the National Park holds an important place in preserving the wild lives that are rapidly getting extinct from this planet. From Chitwan, we continue our journey to the fantastic Lake City of Pokhara. The trip encompasses some of the most spectaculars natural, cultural, and wildlife splendors of Nepal as well as provides an opportunity to mingle with local people with their ethnic lifestyles.

The two week Kathmandu, Chitwan & Pokhara Tour has been designed for those visiting Nepal seeking for a combination of cultural, natural, and jungle/wildlife exposure during their trip. Depending upon the time you can spend for your Nepal trip, you may also find it interesting to check out our other tour packages.

Day to Day Itinerary

Days 1 – 5:Orientation, Language and Cultural Immersion in Kathmandu.

You will be picked up at the airport by one of the EFN staff and driven to your Kathmandu host family or a hotel. Here you will be welcomed into the family, be given your own room and be provided with all your meals while in Kathmandu. This will be your home during your orientation and volunteering in Nepal. With easy bus routes into town and the surrounding countryside this quiet and safe suburb is the perfect base for your time in Nepal.

Pashupati Nath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa
Pashupatinath is one of the world’s most sacred Hindu temples. During the annual Shivaratri pilgrimage, thousands of Siva Devotees come here to pay homage. On the other side of the sacred Bagmati River is a sacred funeral site, where bodies are taken to be cremated before the charred remains are swept into the waters that ultimately flow into the Gangas. The Boudhanath Stupa is thought painted in pastel colours and adored with colourful prayers flags. The Stupa is set in a Mandal design (the diagram of the Buddhist cosmos) with nine levels. Altogether108 Buddha images and 147 insets of prayer wheels adorn the base pf the huge circular edifice. Boudhanath is also home to Nepal’s largest Tibetan community with twelve thousand in all.

Swayambhunath stupa and Durbar Square
The Swayambhunath Stupa is situated 4km outside the Capital on a hilltop and is believed to date back to around 500BC. Legend has it that a sage named Manjushree, who is credited with the creation of Kathmandu saw a celestial lotus in bloom on the hill top and bressed it. Swayambhu is an important pilgrimage site as well as a centre of art, architecture, religion and culture of Mahayana Buddhism. Durbar Square is Kathmandu’s focal point. Durbar Square holds the places of the Malla and Shah Kings who once ruled the city. Along with these palaces, the square also contains a series of temples, the oldest dating back to the 16th century. The square is also known as Hanuman Dhoka, a name derived from the statue of Hanuman, the monkey god, near the entrance of the palace

Patan, the oldest of all the three cities of Kathmandu valley. It is the best known for its artistic heritage. It is probably one of the oldest Buddhist City in the world. The city is situated on a plateau across Bagmati River. Another name of Patan, is Lalitpur. The city is surrounded by 4Stupas as 4 corners of Patan, one at each corner of its cardinal points. These stupas are said to have been built by the famous Emperor Ashoka. This is one of the most elegant architectural treasures of which Patan is very proud. About the beauty of Patan, a western lady writer has to say this – “Patan means eternity itself and Patan Durbar Square is the spectacular sight of Asia indeed”. Really it is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments with bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings and many visitors come here to see the monuments. Patan Durbar square is the famous visiting place. The square is full of ancient places, temples, and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings.

The former royal palace complex is the center of Patan’s religious and social life and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. There are three main courtyards or chowks, so named central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk in the square. The Sundari Chowk holds in its center a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal bath called Tushahity.

Thamel is located in Kathmandu. It is a haven for tourists visiting the city. It contains numerous hotels, restaurants, and shops that cater specifically to western tourists. It is located in the northern region of Kathmandu past the government district on Tridevi marg. Although some consider it to be overcrowded it has been used by westerners since the 1970’s when hippies in the region discovered it. It has become a quite commercial place. Thamel is an easy walk from anywhere in central Kathmandu. Though the roads can be quite busy during the day, and traffic can be quite heavy.

Day 05 -08 Volunteering in an orphanage or school

Day 09: Drive to Chitwan

Today we take an early morning breakfast and drive to Chitwan, 150 kilometers from Kathmandu and a 5 hour’s drive into the mountains. All the way we descend down along the winding road on the banks of the Trishuli River. After checking in to the hotel and getting refreshed
you will be briefed about full nature programs by our nature guide. Then we head on for activities. There will be a guided village walk and a walk on the banks of the Rapti River to watch the charming sunset views in the sub-tropical jungle. In the evening, dinner with cultural program by ethnic tribal people with their stick dance and tribal drums. Overnight at Chitwan. Included meals: (B, L,D)

Day 10: Full Day at Chitwan National Park including Jungle Safari
The Chitwan National Park has been declared by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Today you will discover why the National Park holds an important place in preserving the wild lives that are rapidly getting extinct from this planet. You’re almost sure to spot water buffalo, egrets, woodpecker, and deer in their natural habitat. The Park is also home to rhinoceros, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild bison, gangetic dolphin, 500 birds, butterflies, as well as the near extinct Gharials crocodiles. You can do a number of activities here – an elephant safari, a nature walk, bird watching, a jungle drive or a canoe trip. You may even take a bath with an elephant and learn how to wash your elephant! Don’t forget take a video of your elephant-bath which will be one of the fondest memories of the lifetime. Overnight at Chitwan. Included meals: (B, L, D)

Day 11: Drive to Pokhara & Pokhara Sightseeing
Today after enjoying bird watching or jungle safari in the morning, we drive to Pokhara – about 140 kilometers from Chitwan and a 5-6 hour’s drive. The drive is very much similar to that we had while coming to Chitwan from Kathmandu. From Mugling, we drive further west into the mountains, following the rivers for much of the day. Pokhara, also nicknamed as the Lake City, is not only Nepal’s but one of the most beautiful places on earth. The town offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara is also the gateway for trekking in the Annapurna Region. After arriving Pokhara, we make a sightseeing trip to some of Pokhara’s marketplaces, old bazaars, and landmarks. In the evening, explore the surrounding lakeside areas. Overnight at Pokhara. Included meals: (B)

DAY 12: Explore Pokhara
We spend a full day to explore Pokhara. Early morning we drive to the Sarangkot Hill to have the sunrise views over the Himalayas. After breakfast, we make a full day sightseeing of Pokhara. Enjoy walking along the bank of Phewa Lake, admiring the stunning reflection of the Fish Tail Peak in the blue Phewa Lake waters. We also take a boat around the Phewa Lake which is the second biggest lake of Nepal. We take the boat across the lake and take an hour’s walk to the World Peace Pagoda. We also make a short visit to the Gupteshwar Gufa Cave (also called Shiva Gufa). Some of the other places that we visit today include the Seti River Gorge, Devi’s Fall and the mountain museum etc. Overnight at Pokhara. Included meals: (B)

Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu
After breakfast, we start our 200 kilometers drive back to Kathmandu. Better to hold on the left pane of the vehicle to enjoy the scenery through the route. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. You can spend the evening leisurely, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping and celebrate dinner together with Everest Foundation Nepal staff. Overnight at Kathmandu. Included meals: (B, D)

Day 14: Fly Home: Farewell Friend
You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We hope you enjoyed the tour with us, and are sure you’ll be back in your trip somewhere in the Himalaya again. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Everest Foundation Nepal will transfer you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal. Included meals: (B)

The above mentioned Program itinerary is a sample. The period of volunteering can be changed or extended as per volunteers’ availability of duration.

Trip Cost per person:

»

Price- € 675

The package cost includes:

3 Nights hotel in Kathmandu BB Plan

Full Day Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan city guiding sightseeing by car.

Our Projects

Everest Foundation Nepal offers a unique volunteering and adventure opportunity for individuals, couples, groups, students and experts, as well as senior and youth professionals from all over the world to make a contribution to Nepali society. At the same time you will experience the rich.

Nepal is a land of some of the most awe-inspiring scenery, cultural treasures, and trekking trails on Earth. Everest Foundation Nepal offers glimpses of this breathtaking country, but participants are also able to experience the beauty of Nepal – filled with the sights, sounds, and.

Nepal is a land of some of the most awe-inspiring scenery, cultural treasures, and trekking trails on Earth. Everest Foundation Nepal offers glimpses of this breathtaking country, but participants are also able to experience the beauty of Nepal – filled with the sights, sounds, and.

Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets. Everest Foudation Nepal tour gives you an opportunity to explore three different regions of the country, varying from the cultural hub teemed with fascinating ancient building like.

Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets. Everest Foundation Nepal tour gives you an opportunity to explore three different regions of the country, varying from the cultural hub teemed with fascinating ancient building like.

Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets. Everest Foundation Nepal Nepal tour gives you an opportunity to explore three different regions of the country, varying from the cultural hub teemed with fascinating ancient building.